Is a 5 watt UV sterilizer too much for a reef?

[dble_g2k]

Hey all, Just bought a protein skimmer I plan on setting up in my sump (20 gal long). It has a plug n play bio chamber that can either accomodate bio balls (not included) or a 5 watt UV sterilizer (included). Now in my travels I've been told that UV will harm coral, but I'm also hearing that 5 watts will have only good effects in my 65 gal reef. What do you guys think? I'd love to try the sterilizer out, but if it's going to hurt my reef, then it's going to get set aside.
I also have a ten gallon refugium with macro algae (caluerpa) so even if some algae is being killed, would the refugium offset the sterilizers negative effects?
OR am I just thinking too much? lol
-GG

 

[jobob]

i use a 9watt on my 55, water is perfect, no ick. no problems. some people think its bad for a reef. their the ones that never tried it. so dont knock it till u try it!!! but everything is doin much better since i put it on. i would recomend useing it. i had it on about 6 months now. i got it oringally got it for ick problem, but the ick is long gone. but i still run it all the time. more of a safety net.

 

[murph145]

i have a 5w on my 100g reef tank and i havent had a problem with it hurting any of the animals.
i also got mine when i had an outbreak of ick in my tank ive had it now for a good 9 months if not longer and have not had one sick fish since!

 

[tony detroit]

Another UV fan here.
dble, I'm sure you'll be just fine.

 

[thangbom]

um.. i dont have a real reef going (only statred my reefer 4 months) but i dont see how a uv can hurt a reef tank much if at all... but 5watt?. that almost like not having 1.. your wph will probally to much/to fast for it to even work right... but hey if u have it.. might as well plug it in anyways.. it's there y not use it.. it can only help..

 

[gregm779]

I run a 25w on my 125g and love it. doesn't hurt coral at all. I don't really see a point in going with such a low wattage though

 

[57chev]

Ive had a 25w on a 150 gal reef for years, cant really say its helped or hurt, on fish only tanks I would have one for sure. Hey, GREGM779 anyone in Florida ever have a reef tank outside and used natural sunlight?

 

[gregm779]

I only know of 2 people that have set up a greenhouse and have a few large tanks in there with a massive type of cooling system, they are trying to get in the business of coral selling. To most it isn't feesible you have to protect the tank from all of the elements as well as figure out a way to keep the temp stable. I open my blind and let the light hit it during the day but that is additional to my existing lighting.

 

[dble_g2k]

Had the UV running for the day and already water quality is improved. Bah too those who think five watts is nothing! Getting a nicer DRY foam out of the skimmer too!

 

[jobob]

do u have a aqua via filter,skimmer,uv? my friend has one on his reef. it seems to be doin good. the only problem he has is bubbles.

 

[jimlssc24]

I use one in my tank just to control diseases. I will turn it one a couple days before I get a new fish and keep it one for 2 weeks after. If no signs of ick.